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Methods: Two hundred eighteen patients were fit to lotrafilcon A lenses, randomized to use either a multipurpose solution or a hydrogen peroxide care system, and followed up for 1 year. Lenses, lens transport saline, lids, conjunctivae, and storage cases were cultured and considered to have substantial microbial bioburden when they harbored high levels of commensal or pathogenic organisms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine which demographic covariates were associated with significant bioburden at each location while controlling for solution use.

Conclusions: Clerical occupations were associated with increased microbial bioburden of storage cases during daily wear of silicone hydrogel lenses. Smoking may increase the risk of lens contamination. Storage cases are most frequently contaminated with normal skin flora, and peroxide cases were associated with more frequent contamination. However, the solution type was not associated with lid or lens contamination nor with corneal infiltrative events in this study.

S. M. Debanne is contracted to Johnson and Johnson for data research as a data and safety and monitoring member. L.B. Szczotka-Flynn has disclosures with Alcon, <$5000 for honoraria and consulting. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Supported by Alcon Research, Ltd., with indirect support for laboratories and coordination from the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation and Research to Prevent Blindness. The clinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT00937105.

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